LATEST REPORT: Nebraska fans will be furious if Fred Hoiberg doesn’t make the NCAA Tournament he must submit resignation letter to…see more

As the 2025 NCAA basketball season approaches, the pressure is mounting on Nebraska men’s basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg. According to the latest reports and rumblings from the Cornhusker faithful, fan patience is wearing thin — and the consensus is clear: anything short of an NCAA Tournament appearance this season could mark the end of Hoiberg’s tenure in Lincoln.

After five seasons at the helm, Hoiberg has yet to deliver a breakthrough campaign that brings Nebraska into the national spotlight. Despite flashes of promise, the program has struggled to build consistency in a competitive Big Ten conference. While there has been gradual improvement, the Cornhuskers have not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2014, long before Hoiberg took over.

Fan Expectations Have Reached a Boiling Point

Husker fans are some of the most loyal and passionate in the country, but loyalty comes with high expectations. When Hoiberg was hired in 2019 — fresh off stints with Iowa State and the NBA’s Chicago Bulls — hopes were sky-high. Known for his up-tempo, pro-style offense and strong recruiting ties, he was billed as the man to turn the program around.

Now, with multiple losing seasons and no postseason appearances under his belt, the excitement has shifted to frustration. A recent fan survey conducted by a local Lincoln sports radio station revealed that nearly 70% of respondents believe Hoiberg should “step down” if Nebraska doesn’t earn an NCAA Tournament berth in 2025. Social media discussions echo the sentiment, with many fans demanding accountability if results don’t align with expectations.

A Clear Ultimatum: Win or Walk

Sources close to the Nebraska athletic department suggest that while there’s no official mandate, the writing is on the wall. Athletic Director Trev Alberts has publicly supported Hoiberg in the past but has also emphasized the importance of “measurable progress” and “competing on the national stage.” With investments in facilities and recruiting, expectations have grown beyond moral victories and close losses.

“If we don’t make the tournament this year, I think it’s time for Hoiberg to do the right thing and step aside,” one longtime booster said. “We’ve given him time, we’ve seen talent come and go — but now it’s about winning.”

The implications are significant. Should Nebraska fail to make the tournament again, many expect Hoiberg to either resign voluntarily or face pressure to do so. As one fan put it bluntly, “He must submit his resignation letter to Trev Alberts the morning after Selection Sunday — if Nebraska isn’t on the bracket.”

The Road Ahead

There are reasons for cautious optimism. The Cornhuskers have a more seasoned roster this year, bolstered by transfers and returning talent. Hoiberg has also adjusted his coaching philosophy, emphasizing defense and rebounding more than in past seasons.

But the Big Ten remains brutal, and the margin for error is slim. Anything less than a tournament bid likely won’t be enough to satisfy a fan base that’s desperate to see March Madness return to Lincoln.

Conclusion

Fred Hoiberg enters the 2025 season with one of the hottest seats in college basketball. Fair or not, the message from Nebraska fans is loud and clear: make the NCAA Tournament — or submit your resignation.